Northern Peru is the most difficult part of the country for crafting an itinerary. This region is huge (Peru is at its widest in its northern part), and you can’t easily access major cities. So it took some creativity to create this 10-day Northern Peru sample itinerary.
This itinerary can be used to mix-and-match with others. It’s a great way to see the jungle, mountains, and coast of Northern Peru. And you won’t feel you’re inside a bus the whole time. Finally, it’s perfect if you want to visit nearby Ecuador afterwards.
If you have more than 10 days, then check out additional options for Mancora, Iquitos, and Chachapoyas, too!
Don’t Miss The Top Experiences
Days 1-3: The Waters & Jungle of Tarapoto
Hop on the 1 hour, 20 minute flight from Lima to the jungle town of Tarapoto. Northern Peru is gigantic. So it’s hard to fit in a jungle trip if you just have 10 days. Because of this Tarapoto is an excellent option. It offers great adventure experiences and is relatively close to your next stop.
top experiences in tarapoto
- Partying hard during happy hour at the Street of Stones (Calle de las Piedras)
- Rafting the Mayo River
- Having your choice of hikes to waterfalls: Huacamaillo (12 km/7.5 miles from town); Ahuashiyacu (15 km/9.3 miles out); Pucayaquillo (22 km/13.7 miles); or Carpishuyacu (34 km/21 miles).
- Hiking the Alto Shilcayo route in the Cordillera Escalera Regional Conservation Area. This starts only 600 meters (1,969 feet) from the town’s main plaza
- Checking out the medieval style castle of Lamas.
where to stay in tarapoto
To get a better appreciation of the jungle, check out Cordillera Escalera Ecolodge.
Days 4-7: Chacha Chillin’
Catch a van or bus (they start leaving at 6:30AM) to arrive to Chachapoyas early afternoon. “Chacha” is a charming, walkable, cobblestoned town. It’s surrounded by excellent history and adventure opportunities.
Close to Chacha are Peru’s tallest waterfalls and pre-Incan cities located above the clouds (Chachapoyas translates to “warriors of the clouds”). Also there are famous, mysterious mummies. And that’s all just the start.
The city is 2,335 meters above sea level (7,661). So I recommend taking it easy on your first day.
top experiences in chachapoyas
- Day hike to some of the highest falls in Peru, Gocta or Yumbilla
- Take the cable car to the Chachapoyas’ culture’s main citadel, Kuelap
- Hike to the mysterious sarcophagi of Karajia
- Visit the museum and mummies of Leymebamba
- Walk around the canyon of Huanca next door to Chachapoyas
- Eat a classic local snack from the market- popcorn with ants!
- Take the Coffee Route (Ruta de Café) and explore specialty coffee shops in town
where to chill in chacha
When we visited Chachapoyas we loved Casa Hospedaje Teresita. That’s because the location was great, the rooms were comfy, and the people were warm.
Days 8-9: Sipán & Surf in Chiclayo
Finish your trip enjoying delicious seafood, popular beaches, and archaeological wonders! If you can, take the night bus from Chachapoyas to save a day of travel.
top experiences in chiclayo
- Surfing at the beaches of Pimentel and Puerto Eten
- Exploring the Valley of Pyramids at Túcume
- Visiting one of the top-ranked museums in the world to see the Señor de Sipan
- Eating, souvenir shopping, and seeing a cultural show at nearby Monsefú
where to stay in chiclayo
Most of the options in Chiclayo are standard hotels. I found well-run ecolodges hard to find. So we stayed at Casa Andina. It has a pool and an UNBEATABLE Peruvian breakfast buffet.
Day 10: Back to Lima
Fly or bus to Lima. Alternatively, take a bus or plane to the hotspot of Máncora or Cuenca, Ecuador. (See “add ons: if you have more time” below)
Northern Peru Sample Itinerary Add-ons: If You Have More Time
There are some great adventure options near each of these locations if you have a few extra days. For this reason, add one of these to your trip if you have more time:
Iquitos: Boat it Up
Instead of flying to Tarapoto, boat to Iquitos from Pucallpa. Spend some days in the world’s largest non-road accessible city. Also check out the pink dolphins and Amazonian rivers at Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
To arrive to Tarapoto from Iquitos take a 12 hr ferry from Nauta to Yurimaguas. From Yurimaguas, Tarapoto is a 2-3 hour car ride.
Condor Lake: Combine Cool & Creepy Near Chachapoyas
Take a multiday hike from Chachapoyas. The Laguna de los Condores trek takes you to tombs abandoned over 500 years ago. This hike is based around a beautiful lake. And you’ll explore 18 ancient gravesites.
Máncora Option
Take the 5hr bus ride from Chiclayo to Mancora or nearby beaches. Máncora is a party and surf capital in the Northern coast. Check out quieter spots just north or south of the town if party towns aren’t your vibe.
Beach It Up!
If you return to Lima from Chiclayo, break up the 14.5 hour bus ride with multiple stops along the coast. Consider Huanchaco (get off at Trujillo, a 15 minute taxi ride away) or Casma. Just outside of Lima are the amazing beaches and hot springs of Norte Chico, too.
Best Time to Visit Northern Peru
Try to avoid the rainy season from November through April. Especially avoid the rainiest months, January and February. Transportation can be dangerous, and towns in general shut down in these months.
Since the coast is a desert, this only applies to the Andes and jungle.
Conclusion
I hope this Northern Peru sample itinerary helps you in trip planning!
Message me at GringoInca@gmail.com if you have questions.
